WPS Spending

The infographic outlines significant concerns regarding the Westport Public Schools' special education system, arguing that despite massive increases in spending, the district is failing to close the educational achievement gap for high-needs students. Over the past decade, the district's spending on special education litigation and tuition settlements has surged, with annual outplacement costs now reaching $6.2 million. Westport currently spends significantly more on legal fees and per-pupil outplacement than its peer districts and the state average. Conversely, the academic achievement gaps for Westport's high-needs students in subjects like Math, Science, and English are noticeably wider than those in comparable districts. In response, the graphic outlines a call to action from parents requesting an independent review by a reputable consultant, emphasizing priorities like student safety, inclusion, meaningful progress, and ensuring family voices are included in the decision-making process.

Key Data Breakdown

Soaring Financial Costs

• Outplacement Tuition: Currently at $6.2 million annually, which represents a 53.7% increase over the last 5 years.

• Legal Fees & Settlements: Combined litigation and settlement costs have skyrocketed by 187% over 10 years, reaching $1,828,007 for the 2024–2025 school year alone.

District Comparisons

• Highest Legal Fees: Westport spends $513.58 per pupil on special education legal fees, which is nearly 2.2 times higher than the average of its peer districts (DRG A).

• Outplacement Costs: The cost per outplaced pupil in Westport is $205,000, drastically exceeding the Connecticut state average of $133,000 and neighboring New Canaan's $107,000.

• Classroom Observations: The graphic notes that Westport is an outlier in the state of Connecticut for prohibiting classroom observations.

Wider Achievement Gaps Comparing proficiency between high-needs and non-high-needs students, Westport performs worse than its peer group (DRG A) across the board:

• Math Gap: 50% higher than peer districts.

• Science Gap: 30% higher than peer districts.

• ELA (English Language Arts) Gap: 29% higher than peer districts.

Parent Priorities for Review The bottom section lists what parents are asking for, including:

• Safety: Proper staff training and a supportive environment.

• Meaningful Progress: Evidence-based programs for real academic growth.

• Inclusion: Increased access to general education.

• Child Find: Prompt evaluations for students with suspected disabilities.

• Family Voice: Ensuring families are informed partners in the process.